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The Pennsylvania Railroad, a prominent U.S. railroad in the 19th and 20th centuries, is featured on the Monopoly board game as one of the four railroads players can own. While not a monopoly in the strictest sense, it was the largest railroad in the U.S. by traffic and revenue for a significant period, particularly in the first half of the 20th century. Its dominance and eventual merger with the New York Central led to the formation of Penn Central, which later declared bankruptcy.
Pennsylvania Railroad Monopoly Explained
- Monopoly’s Representation: In the classic Monopoly game, the Pennsylvania Railroad, along with the Reading Railroad, B&O Railroad, and Short Line Railroad, are the four railroad properties available for purchase.
- Real-World History: The Pennsylvania Railroad was founded in 1846 and grew to become a major force in the American transportation landscape. It played a crucial role in connecting the East Coast with the interior of the United States.
- Not a Monopoly in Practice: While the Pennsylvania Railroad held a prominent position, it wasn’t a true monopoly in the sense of having exclusive control over all rail traffic. It faced competition from other railroads, and eventually, its merger with New York Central created a larger, yet ultimately troubled, entity.
- Dominance and Decline: The Pennsylvania Railroad achieved significant success, becoming the largest railroad in the world by some metrics. However, factors like the merger, industry shifts, and the Interstate Commerce Commission’s actions contributed to its eventual decline and the bankruptcy of Penn Central.
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